Oh, consumers have figured out that we will charge them hefty for ink. Well, we have to find another way. How about every year mandatory ink sponge cleanup for $100 and we software lock it? Or some other hook like that?
I have an EcoTank (not the pro variant). There are absolutely no strings attached. No subscriptions. No lockout. I have been using it for five years now. The "other way" they found is apparently "selling the printer hardware at its real cost instead of subsidizing it through ink cartridges".
I also have an eco tank. L3160.
google "epson ecotank reset `waste ink pad` counter". And see how much those software keys to unlock your printer cost. I don't say it is as bad as ink scam, but still a way to go